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How to Identify Eagle Buttons From the 1902 Era

Over the course of the Civil War, the Union army used a variety of different types of buttons on their uniforms. Many of the buttons were emblazoned with the logo of an eagle, but it is difficult to nail down an exact time frame of manufacture without a few more details. Successfully identifying your button as one that comes from the 1902 era and beyond is critical if you are planning on having it assessed or selling it at an auction.

Instructions

- 1
  Flip the button over and examine the back for markings from the manufacturer.
- 2
  Look for a logo that says ̶0;Scovill MF̵7;G CO. *WaterBury.* This is usually an indicator of a button that was made between 1902 and 1918.
- 3
  Flip the button back over to examine the front.
- 4
  Look at the details on the eagle. While earlier buttons featured a long-necked eagle craning its head above his wings, the eagles on 1902-era buttons have a much shorter neck and head that fall well below their wings.

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